Ashes in the Air ~ haibun

/ Ken Gierke / rivrvlogr

Ashes in the Air

Our county has an open burn season for brush, etc., that runs from the first of November through the first of March, provided high winds are not a factor. Our city does, as well, and resident are encouraged to be considerate of neighbors. In fact, they are encouraged to take broken tree limbs, leaves and brush to the city’s yard waste site where mulch is made available to residents. Why burning is allowed in the city, where up to five houses may be within an acre of land, is beyond me. Even the slightest breeze will carry smoke hundreds of feet. With the mild winters and temperature fluctuations that we have, it’s not unusual to have an occasional fifty to seventy degree day with open windows as an open invitation for that smoke.

smoke slowly rises
as dry leaves and branches burn
ashes in the air

This haibun is my response to Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt
#Challenge 391 BURN(ed/ing/s) and Old.

Image source: 11alive.com

22 thoughts on “Ashes in the Air ~ haibun”

  6. Mulching so much healthier for all … but the “urge” to burn in place vs load up and take to be mulched is pretty strongly ingrained in many. I remember doing a good bit of burning when we cleared our half acre in Florida back in 1970 – no one complained because it was the norm back then for coping with pine needle buildup. By the time I left Florida in 1986, even a small “yard fire” drew complaints and the possibility of police showing up. Now, in suburban Austin, yard fires just don’t happen. All of this to say where you are is apparently still in transition – some collective squawking might be productive – and poetic highlighting cannot hurt!

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